I am updating this page as of June 20th with information I have to date. For those that are planning on going I NEED Haousing Forms turned in; the deadline is July 1, 2017 to get requests in to me so I can meet my deadlines.

Also anyone wanting a banquet ticket I still have some availalbe. The cost is 47.00 dollars a piece. The food better be real good for that amount. I am excited about the below opportunities so stay tuned as we progress to Reno, Nevada, for our 99th National Convention, August 18-24, 2017.

The Atlantis Casino and Resort will serve as The American Legion’s and Sons of The American Legion’s Headquarters Hotel. The Peppermill Casino and Resort will serve as the American Legion Auxiliary Headquarters Hotel.

The convention is less then 2 months away so I ask you to please help me get our delegation ready to go.

1. Friday, August 18, 2017 – Color Guard Competition at 5:00PM. Rules and applications forthcoming and will be posted on our website.

2. Saturday, August 19, 2017 – Competitive Concert Band Contest and Exhibition Concert Band performance. Contests will start at 1:00PM. Rules and applications forthcoming. Keep in mind per the rules, if at least two band applications are not received by May 31, the band contests will not take place.

4. Sunday, August 20, 2017 – National Convention Parade. Great parade route going right through the heart of downtown Reno on Virginia Street, starting at Court Street and ending at 6th Street. The Department of Nevada will have a Post Parade Party at the Reno Ballroom. More information forthcoming.

5. Tuesday, August 22, 2017 – National Commander’s Banquet. We are finalizing the Banquet Entertainment and your National Commander's selection will sure to please. Tickets are $47.00 per person and each table is a round for EIGHT (8) people. Departments may send their checks to the Convention & Meetings Office of The American Legion on or after January 1, 2017. Leading into the Centennial Celebration years, recommend budgeting $50.00 per ticket.

6. We will have shuttle transportation, off-site/parade bus transportation costs as well as tour options to you on or before February 21, 2017.

7. Please check the website often for updated information regarding notable items, events, etc for Reno at www.legion.org/convention. With the Reno Aces Minor League Baseball being in town, we are working with them for a possible American Legion Family Night and/or discounted tickets.

I am confident our American Legion Family members will enjoy the events that are planned thus far as well as the business sessions of The American Legion and other aspects of our 99th National Convention.

National Commander Schmidt has selected country music artist Neal McCoy as his Banquet entertainment for Tuesday, August 22. http://www.nealmccoy.com/about/

Tickets are still available for the National Commander’s Banquet at $47.00 per person. Tables are Rounds of 8. I need people to get back to me as soon as you can on how many tickets you want for the banquet. I have ordered the normal amount of 30 and need to use them all.

Neal will also serve as the Opening Ceremonies Emcee and sing the National Anthem.

For 2017, there will NOT be a Competitive Concert Band Contest nor an Exhibition Band Contest. With the due date of May 31, no applications were received. Therefore, we look forward to seeing the band contests return in 2018 for our 100th National Convention.

Keep in mind, Color Guard Competition applications are available on our website at https://www.legion.org/convention/contests. These are due by July 14. Only a few Color Guard Applications have been received. Therefore, if you have a Color Guard desiring to compete, kindly complete respective application and return. For questions, please call Reggie Mathis, at 317-630-1347, to confirm receipt of any application.

As always, recommend visiting the national website at www.legion.org/convention for any updates for the National Convention. Shuttle schedule, scooter rental information, RV/Camping, etc are all on the website.